Bill would strengthen and expand Oregon’s clean energy economy, according to letter signed by 70+ business executives, entrepreneurs, investors and other professionals from across the state.
SALEM, OR (February 20, 2019) – More than 70 Oregon business executives, entrepreneurs, investors, and other professionals sent a letter to state lawmakers on Wednesday urging them to pass the Clean Energy Jobs bill (H.B. 2020).
According to the letter signed by Oregon members, supporters and partners of the national, nonpartisan business group E2 (Environmental Entrepreneurs), the groundbreaking bill would send a clear, long-term signal to investors that Oregon’s clean energy market is poised for further expansion. It would also give clean energy businesses the clarity needed to make long-term expansion plans.
“Oregon needs to remain competitive globally and regionally with its Pacific Coast Collaborative partners of California, Washington, and British Columbia, which are actively transitioning to becoming prosperous low-carbon economies,” said Erik Wohlgemuth, chief operating officer of consulting firm Future 500 and a director of E2’s Pacific Northwest chapter. “This bill will set a strong market signal to attract investment that will accelerate the region’s economic growth both in our cities, and rural communities who steward our working lands, ensuring a just transition for all Oregonians.”
Wohlgemuth and other Oregon business leaders on Wednesday personally delivered the letter to nearly 50 legislators in Salem and also met with Gov. Kate Brown’s staff to urge passage of the bill.
“Oregon must capture this economic opportunity,” said Danny Metcalf, E2 member and Director of Business Operations at Brew Dr Kombucha “The potential cost of climate change to Oregon’s economy is catastrophic. By passing a strong Cap-and-Invest policy, Oregon will work to mitigate this threat while driving job growth, investment, and new opportunities for workers and businesses across the state.”
“A Cap-and-Invest program will also provide benefits to Oregon businesses built around working and natural lands,” said Linda Gerber, E2 member, farmer, and consultant. “A well-crafted program will create market structures that draw private investment to sustainable agriculture projects and will invest program proceeds in climate change mitigation and resiliency projects on Oregon’s farms, ranches, and forests.”
For more information or to speak with Oregon business leaders about the Clean Energy Jobs bill, please contact Michael Timberlake at (202) 289-2407, mtimberlake@e2.org.
Additional Information:
- February 19, 2019 Letter to Oregon Legislators | E2
- 55,179 Oregonians Work in Clean Energy Industries | E2 Clean Jobs Oregon 2018
- Cap-and-Invest an Opportunity for Oregon Economy, Workers, Businesses | E2 Release
- All 90 state legislative districts benefit from Oregon’s Clean Energy Economy | E2 District Level Fact Sheets
- 2 Million Americans Work in Clean Energy | E2 Clean Jobs America 2018
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Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) is a national, nonpartisan group of business leaders, investors, and professionals from every sector of the economy who advocate for smart policies that are good for the economy and good for the environment. E2’s Pacific Northwest Chapter has been active in passing smart environmental policy for 10 years. Our members have founded or funded more than 2,500 companies, created more than 600,000 jobs, and manage more than $100 billion in venture and private equity capital. For more information, see www.e2.org or follow us on Twitter at @e2org.